This is a pretty fun concept and adventure geared toward YA readers. Although I have read similar books - escapism in virtual reality...what is real, and what is Memorex, the use of VR to gain lifetimes of lessons and practical application is pretty interesting. The youth of this world plug-in to E.A.R.T.H. where they live a life from beginning to end, while little time passes as their body rests in an induced coma. Once the die in VR, the exit the game with all the knowledge of their play(s), which sets them up for career opportunities once they mature. Of course, it would be a different game entirely if you had all that knowledge and went back into VR as a baby. Where this is not allowed, some catch glimpses, or intuition about the big picture while playing - and that is where some fun occurs. Schott has fun planting the seeds of truth against conspiracy theory (pyramids, religion, god, eternal beings, strangers appearing at the right time, etc.) as he weaves through the story taking place in the game and behind the scenes. This book leaves you with a cliffhanger. It also provides a fun twist. Overall, I enjoyed the concept, the style, pace, and would continue the story. 4.5/5 Stars
4.5 of 5 stars. From the Publisher:
Zack was just living his life.It was really a game.When he started to ask questions, everything changed. Zack wasn’t supposed to figure it out. He could ruin everything.Zack was disoriented when he woke up. They had welcomed him back. He didn’t know where he’d been.
He just remembered being 74 and near death.They said he was seventeen.What was this “best score” they kept going on about?Where was this place?Who were these people?And why did they keep talking about the next game?
You’ll love the first book in the series and get lost in the elaborate world created by Terry Schott. It will keep you turning pages until the end.
